Reminiscences of a Roman Soldier

[Colswann]

I saw him there – that man Jesus.
I had seen brave men before:
Brave men in battle, brave men dying,
Brave men laughing, brave men crying,
But, I had never seen the likes – of that man Jesus.

Watched fellow soldiers thump steel spikes
Into his hands, feet and side.
I watched fellow soldiers laugh and mock
And spurn and spit and him deride.
But, not a murmur nor cry – from that man Jesus.

Unjust death – for that man Jesus.
Saw his eyes look in my soul;
Made me feel remorse – to run – to hide;
But saw his love for me and all;
Forgiveness – that wouldn’t chide - from that man Jesus.

Death was dark – for that man Jesus.
Friends were few in that dark place.
Made him to suffer more than need be,
Made him appear to be disgraced;
Yet, death seemed a victory – for that man Jesus.

“It is finished,” was that man’s cry.
Words of hope these seemed to be;
Spoke to me of a new beginning,
Giving life and a faith to me.
By these words was my winning – to that man Jesus.